FARM TO FOOD TRUCK CHALLENGE II – HOSTED BY SoCo FARMERS’ MARKET

Last Saturday, November 19th was a foodie paradise at SoCo Farmers’ Market at The OC Mart Mix / SoCo Collection in Costa Mesa, California. The market played host to the second Farm to Food Truck Challenge – the exciting event where six gourmet food trucks compete for the title of ‘Top Chop Truck’ by creating delicious dishes using ingredients gathered from the farmers’ market. Their dishes are evaluated by a panel of culinary-expert judges in front of a live audience and a winner is crowned. It was a fantastic day of gourmet mobile cuisine, organic farmers’ market produce, live music and friendly, enthusiastic crowds. Who could ask for more?!

As you’ve seen here on the Anne Watson Photo Blog over the past few weeks during our ‘Meet the Competitors’ series, each of the six competition trucks has their own unique style. Battling for the ‘Top Chop Truck’ title were Seabirds (gourmet, 100% plant-based vegan cuisine), SlapFish (simple, fresh & delicious sustainable seafood), Taco Maria (‘Chicano Cuisine’ – a blend of old & new Mexico), Home Skillet Truck (the seasonal modern American kitchen), Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels (Orange County’s only Argentine food truck) and The Flip Truck (all-natural gourmet sliders). With this variety and breath of culinary styles covered, we knew it would be an exciting competition!

Below is a visual tour-through-photos of the day – including some behind-the-scenes action and, of course, plenty of Anne Watson Photography food photos.

And, if you like what you see, then be sure to head out to the SoCo Farmers’ Market today – November 26th – from 9am – 2pm. There will be plenty of amazing food trucks on-hand, including this round’s ‘Top Chop Truck’, SlapFish, who will be serving their winning dish, the ‘Flight of Seafood’, and will even be sharing their secret recipe. Hope to see you all there – today and every Saturday at SoCo Farmers’ Market from 9am – 2pm for gourmet food truck action and plenty of fresh, seasonal organic farm-fresh produce!

Chef Andrew Gruel accepts First Place and the title of Top Chop Truck for his ‘Flight of Seafood’ dish: Lobster Doughnut with apple & leek, Seared Scallop with almond butter & brussel leaf salad, and Black Cod with a beet & carrot slaw